by Rev. Steve Nickodemus

Bare Vines.

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“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Habakkuk 3:17-18

As winter approaches, the leaves fall from the grape vines and plants go dormant.  It is a sad, barren, season. No fruit will be appearing on the vines for many months.

The prophet Habakkuk supposes such a time in the verses above, a time when there is no fruit, grain, flocks, or herds. A sad, barren, season.

Are you going through a sad, barren, season in your life?  Does there seem to be nothing but grayness and futility?  Does life seem without hope or promise? Do you feel unproductive and friendless?

In the midst of such a season of barrenness, Habakkuk writes, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  The prophet’s hope is not in the abundance of material blessings, or earthly security, but in God his Savior.  Even in a season of sadness, there is joy in the Lord.

The Lord’s promises are sure. In Him there is life, even in the midst of death, and in Him there is joy, even in the midst of sadness.  The Savior who died for you, who loved you even while you were yet a sinner, will not forsake you, nor leave you.  He loves you still.

In the midst of a gray, sad, world there is joy for the one who believes in our Lord Jesus.  There will be seasons of sadness, yet we will praise Him, we will rejoice in His name. As Habakkuk says a chapter earlier, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado